Justice News

Three Individuals Plead Guilty to Participating in Drug-Related Robbery

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RON CHRISTOPHER SPEAR-ZULETA, also known as “Chris,” 46, of Woodbridge; ANINHA SPEAR-ZULETA, 32, of Woodbridge, and MARITZA TORRES, also known as “Lisy,” 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to offenses stemming from a drug-related robbery.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Chris Spear-Zuleta, his wife, Aninha Spear-Zuleta, and Torres robbed an associate of Chris Spear-Zuleta, who Chris Spear-Zuleta claimed owed him money in relation to narcotics transactions. On November 28, 2017, Aninha Spear-Zuleta lured the associate’s girlfriend to the Spear-Zuleta’s Woodbridge residence, where Chris Spear-Zuleta physically assaulted the girlfriend. At Chris Spear-Zuleta’s instruction, Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres then transported the girlfriend to a residence she shared with the associate in Milford, where Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres stole several items, including cash, a firearm and several items of expensive clothing.

Chris Spear-Zuleta and Aninha Spear-Zuleta each pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. They are scheduled to be sentenced on December 4 and December 6, respectively

Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.

Chris Spear-Zuleta has been detained since his arrest on December 22, 2018. Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres are released on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Woodbridge Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.